The nations participating in the Lockheed Martin F-35 program remain steadfast in their support for the fighter jet, and there is no indication that the United States plans to alter its commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter initiative, stated Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans.
“It is in our collective interest to ensure that the F-35 program continues to operate effectively and maintains its current level of success. I have not observed any indications that the United States is reconsidering its position,” Brekelmans remarked during a press briefing at the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, addressing concerns regarding the potential for the U.S. to restrict allied access to their aircraft.
“I believe speculation on this matter is unwarranted,” he added.
Recently, some European researchers and lawmakers have voiced apprehensions that the U.S. might impede allies from utilizing their F-35s, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump seems to be increasingly aligning with Russia and has made threats regarding the annexation of Canada and Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
European operators of the F-35 work in conjunction with the U.S. to develop mission data files essential for the aircraft’s operation, and many depend on a U.S.-managed cloud-based software system for maintenance and updates.
As of September, the Netherlands had acquired 40 out of the 52 F-35s it had ordered. In the same month, the Dutch government revealed intentions to purchase an additional six jets and formally decommissioned their F-16 fleet.
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